Recent History and Contenders
Despite the 90-89 loss at Climate Pledge Arena, the Bulldogs (7-2) remain among the top contenders. Since 2004, every national championship-winning team has been ranked in the top 12 during Week 6 of the AP Poll. This season, they join a prestigious list that includes No. 1 Tennessee, No. 2 Auburn, No. 3 Iowa State, No. 4 Duke, No. 5 Kentucky, No. 6 Marquette, No. 7 Alabama, No. 9 Florida, No. 10 Kansas, No. 11 Purdue, and No. 12 Oregon.The current college basketball landscape is marked by parity, making it possible for the 2025 national champion to emerge from outside the top 12. No. 15 Houston (5-3), for instance, ranks fifth at KenPom.com despite early season losses and a tough nonconference schedule that included away games against Auburn, Alabama, and San Diego State. Two of these games went into overtime.No. 18 UConn (7-3) has rebounded with consecutive victories over Baylor and Texas. Their 76-72 win over Baylor without Alex Karaban in the lineup, followed by a 76-65 triumph over Texas, propelled them up seven spots in the rankings. Karaban's 21 points led UConn to its first true road win of the season.Baylor (5-3), on the other hand, finds itself just outside the top 25 after its third nonleague loss.Future Opponents and Their Performances
A future Gonzaga opponent, UCLA, entered the AP Poll's rankings less than 24 hours after its thrilling 73-71 win at Oregon on Sunday. The Bruins (8-1) have been strong defensively during their seven-game win streak, highlighted by Sunday night's victory. Junior guard Dylan Andrews' 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds on the clock gave the Ducks their first loss of the season, while UCLA rose to No. 24.Back near the top of the poll, Kentucky (8-1) was bumped down one spot despite its comeback win over Gonzaga. Interestingly, the team in front of them at No. 4 - Duke (7-2) - lost to Kentucky, 77-72, in the Champions Classic.The Volunteers (8-0) received 58 of the 62 first-place votes and claimed the No. 1 position for the first time since 2018-19. They moved up two spots after preseason No. 1 Kansas lost back-to-back games to unranked foes, and Auburn fell to the Blue Devils. Six of the top 10 teams suffered losses last week.AP Top 25 poll (Week 6):1. Tennessee (8-0)2. Auburn (8-1)3. Iowa State (7-1)4. Duke (7-2)5. Kentucky (8-0)6. Marquette (9-1)7. Alabama (7-2)8. Gonzaga (7-2)9. Florida (9-0)10. Kansas (7-2)11. Purdue (8-2)12. Oregon (9-1)13. Oklahoma (9-0)14. Michigan (8-1)15. Houston (5-3)16. Clemson (9-1)17. Texas A&M (8-2)18. UConn (7-3)19. Ole Miss (8-1)20. Wisconsin (8-2)21. Michigan State (8-2)22. Cincinnati (7-1)23. San Diego State (6-2)24. UCLA (8-1)25. Mississippi State (8-1)Others receiving votes: Baylor 150, Arizona St 143, Memphis 123, Missouri 119, Penn St. 90, Arkansas 89, Drake 67, Pittsburgh 62, Utah St. 57, Illinois 47, St. John’s 43, Maryland 39, Dayton 38, Creighton 32, Indiana 30, West Virginia 30, North Carolina 24, Georgia 21, Saint Mary’s 20, Texas 8, Rhode Island 3, Loyola Chicago 1.Continue to follow our Gonzaga coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram and Twitter.Duke's Basketball Success and Rankings Shift
Duke's Wednesday Victory Over Auburn Tigers
The Duke Blue Devils' win over the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday was a game-changer. It showcased their team's strength and determination. The previously undefeated Auburn Tigers faced a tough challenge and ultimately fell to Duke. This victory not only boosted Duke's confidence but also had a significant impact on their rankings. It set the stage for their rise to sixth place in the coaches poll. The Duke players played with exceptional skill and teamwork, demonstrating why they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball.
The Auburn Tigers put up a good fight, but Duke's superior strategy and execution gave them the edge. The game was a thrilling display of basketball, with both teams giving it their all. Duke's ability to come out on top in this crucial matchup shows their growth and potential as a team. It is a moment that will be remembered in the history of Duke basketball.
Duke's Rise in the Rankings
Duke's three-place rise to sixth in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll is a remarkable achievement. It highlights their consistency and ability to perform well against tough opponents. Despite having multiple losses, the Blue Devils have shown that they can compete at the highest level. Their rise to the top of the ACC standings is a testament to their coaching staff and players. The Duke team has worked hard to improve their game and it is paying off.
The other teams in the top five, such as Iowa State, Marquette, and Kentucky, have also been performing well. However, Duke's recent success has put them in a league of their own. They are now the highest-ranked team with multiple losses, which is a testament to their talent and resilience. This rise in the rankings has also given Duke a boost in terms of media attention and fan support. It is an exciting time for Duke basketball fans.
The Impact of Kansas and North Carolina's Losses
The losses of the Kansas Jayhawks and the North Carolina Tar Heels had a significant impact on the rankings. Kansas, which was once at the top, tumbled down nine spots to No. 10. This shows the importance of consistency in college basketball. One bad game can have a big effect on a team's standing. The North Carolina Tar Heels, on the other hand, completely vanished from the top 25 after four early losses. This is a reminder that every game counts and teams need to be focused and disciplined throughout the season.
The Clemson Tigers' victory over Kentucky also had a ripple effect on the rankings. Clemson's 9-1 record and their win over a top team like Kentucky earned them a spot in the top 25. They are now the only other ACC team within the rankings, showing the strength of the conference. This victory also gives Clemson a lot of momentum as they continue their season.
The Complete USA TODAY Sports Men's Basketball Coaches Poll
The complete USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll provides a comprehensive look at the current standings in college basketball. It shows the teams that are performing well and those that need to improve. The poll is a valuable tool for coaches, players, and fans alike. It gives an indication of which teams are the top contenders and which ones are struggling.
From the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers to the bottom-ranked Baylor Bears, each team has a story to tell. The poll reflects the ups and downs of the season and the unpredictable nature of college basketball. It is a reminder that anything can happen on any given day. As the season progresses, the rankings will continue to change and teams will rise and fall. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
Uncover the Preseason Basketball Powerhouses with WyoPreps
Girls Preseason Poll
In the 1A girls' rankings, Southeast takes the top spot, followed closely by Upton. Cokeville, Lingle-Ft. Laramie, and Burlington complete the top five. Each team brings its unique strengths and potential to the court.
Tongue River leads the 2A girls' rankings, with Wyoming Indian and Sundance not far behind. Pine Bluffs, Wind River, and other teams also have their eyes set on success.
Douglas dominates the 3A girls' rankings, followed by Cody, Pinedale, Buffalo, and Powell. These teams are expected to battle it out for the championship.
East claims the top spot in the 4A girls' rankings, with Campbell County, Sheridan, Central, and Kelly Walsh close behind. The competition in this class is fierce.
Boys Preseason Poll
In 1A boys' rankings, Upton starts as the favorite, with Lingle-Ft. Laramie and Cokeville also in the mix. Lusk and Saratoga complete the top five.
Wyoming Indian and Wright share the top spot in 2A boys' rankings, followed by Big Horn, Thermopolis, and Pine Bluffs. These teams will be vying for supremacy.
Cody leads the 3A boys' rankings, with Lovell, Powell, Douglas, and Wheatland close behind. The battle for the championship in this class is expected to be intense.
Laramie takes the top spot in 4A boys' rankings, with Central, Campbell County, Star Valley, and East following closely. The competition in this class is also expected to be fierce.